Stuck in BASH (Bourne-again Shell)!

I would appreciate if anyone offered any ideas how to fix my PowerBook G4 with OS X 10.3.7. In the middle of an update, the computer froze, and I restarted the machine. Now, after an extra-long boot up process, it loads up BASH (Bourne-again Shell), which, I understand to be, a UNIX shell. Commands like “exit” just bring up BASH again; restarting brings up the same scenario.

How can I get out of this loop and get back to my OS X? Any advice, comments, or suggestions on where to find help would be very much appreciated!

Thanks!

Eric

Powerbook G4, Mac OS X (10.3.7)

Posted on Aug 2, 2007 6:44 AM

20 replies

Aug 8, 2007 3:26 PM in response to ereek85

Eric

after over an hour of waiting, the Setup Assistant doesn't come up.

We're not having much luck here. You could try the approach in the Apple KB article: Mac OS X, Mac OS X Server: How to Replace the NetInfo Database, and see if that gives better results.

Otherwise it's probably time to cut our losses, and perform an Archive & Install, see Mac OS X 10.4: About installation options and Mac OS X : About the Archive and Install Feature. You will need 4 or 5 GB free on your boot disk for this.

Don't forget to let us know what happens!

ereek85 Author

Level 1

0 points

Aug 9, 2007 5:48 PM in response to Michael Conniff

Michael,

I followed directions in that first article (on how to replace the netinfo database) and then I rebooted the computer. It booted up, acted like it was working, and then went completely black.

Any recommendations? Am I a lost cause?

Thanks a lot,

Eric

ereek85 Author

Level 1

0 points

Aug 9, 2007 6:07 PM in response to ereek85

Please ignore the last message. The computer is, in fact, right where it was since the last step. I'll keep working with it and let you know how it goes.

Thanks a lot,

Eric

ereek85 Author

Level 1

0 points

Aug 15, 2007 2:14 PM in response to Michael Conniff

Michael,

After waiting for a week for the installation discs to be delivered, I finally was able to reinstall OS X and IT WORKED!

I do have some other problems, so I might see you on another discussion thread. But I really appreciate all of your help in bringing my computer back to life. Thanks so much!

Best,

Eric

Aug 15, 2007 3:13 PM in response to ereek85

Eric

After waiting for a week for the installation discs to be delivered, I finally was able to reinstall OS X and IT WORKED!

Hope you made good use of a week away from your computer! 🙂

(I will be doing the same myself next week, can't wait!)

I'll look out for any further topics you post.

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Stuck in BASH (Bourne-again Shell)!